Cream eyeshadows can create a gorgeous, glamorous eye look when blended properly. The smooth, mousse-like texture of cream shadows makes them easy to apply and blend seamlessly. However, blending cream eyeshadow does require some technique to avoid creasing or patches of uneven color. With the right tools and methods, you can blend cream shadow like a pro for stunning eyes every time.
Prep Your Lids
The key to flawless blending with cream eyeshadow is proper lid preparation. Always start by cleansing and moisturizing the eye area to create a smooth base. After skincare, use an eyeshadow primer. Primer forms a protective barrier on the lids that grips powder and cream shadows for extended wear without creasing or transferring. Allow the primer to fully dry before applying any color.
Apply Your Base Color
Using your finger or a brush, dab the cream shadow onto your lid and blend outward. Apply your base shade all over the movable lid up to the crease. Use patting and smoothing motions instead of swiping the cream shadow to avoid pulling on the delicate eye area. Build the color intensity gradually in thin layers for the most seamless blending results. Make sure to blend into the crease so there are no harsh lines or edges.
Deepen the Crease
For added definition, use a darker cream shadow shade in the crease. Use a small, dense brush to sweep color along the crease in a windshield wiper motion. Blend the edges well so the deeper crease color fades softly into the lid color with no visible lines. You can also run the brush in small circles to diffuse and blend the crease color.
Highlight Under Brow
Brighten up under the brow bone with a light shimmery cream shadow. Tap color onto the area below the arch of your brow and use a clean finger to gently blend outward toward the temples. Stop blending once you reach the edge of where you applied the crease color. The highlighted brow bone will provide nice lift and dimension.
Add Depth at Lash Line
For extra definition, you can smoke out the lash line as well. Use a thin liner brush to press a dark cream shadow into the lash line. Start from the outer corner and work inward toward the inner corner, smudging as you go. Connect the lash line shadow to the outer edge of the crease color. Blend well so there are no hard lines.
Finish With Highlighter
Add a touch of luminous highlight to the inner corners, brow bones and center of the lids. Choose a shimmery champagne cream shadow that complements the other shades you used. Apply with your finger in a patting motion to the high points of the face. Blend the edges for a soft glow.
Set with Powder
To lock your finished cream shadow look in place all day, dust a light layer of translucent setting powder over your eye makeup. Use a large fluffy brush to sweep powder across the entire lid area. You can also use powder eyeshadow to reinforce the crease color and give a more airbrushed effect. Just be sure to blend well over the cream shadow.
Tips for Blending Cream Eyeshadow
Follow these pro tips for flawlessly blended cream shadow looks:
- Use synthetic brushes – Natural hair absorbs too much product.
- Build color gradually in layers.
- Blend with patting and smoothing motions.
- Use a clean finger to diffuse edges.
- Work quickly before cream shadow dries down.
- Mix colors on the back of your hand first.
- Apply all over lids before blending to avoid creasing.
Common Cream Eyeshadow Blending Mistakes
Avoid these common cream shadow blending errors:
- Skipping eye primer – Cream shadows need a base to grip to.
- Over-blending – Can cause the color to sheer out too much.
- Swiping motions – Pulls and tugs the delicate eye area.
- Too many layers – Can get cakey and crease easily.
- Blending too late – Letting cream shadow dry before blending.
Best Brush Types for Blending
Use these brush types when blending cream eyeshadow:
| Brush | Use |
|---|---|
| Flat shader brush | Packing on lid color |
| Fluffy blending brush | Blending crease and edges |
| Dense pencil brush | Smudging lash line |
| Small concealer brush | Highlighting brow bone |
Best Cream Shadow Formulas for Blending
Look for cream eyeshadows with these ideal textures:
- Creamy – Blends seamlessly before drying down.
- Smooth – Won’t tug on delicate eye skin.
- Emollient – Sheers out easily for blending.
- Buildable – Color intensifies with layers.
- Quick-drying – Sets after blending to prevent creasing.
Some top-rated cream eye shadow brands include:
- Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise
- ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara
- NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil
- MAC Paint Pot
- Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow
Blend Cream Shadow by Eye Shape
Adapt your cream shadow blending techniques to flatter your specific eye shape:
Round Eyes
- Focus color on the center of the lid.
- Keep blending minimal and tight.
- Avoid bringing shadows too far outward.
Almond Eyes
- Sweep crease color in a V-shape.
- Connect to lower lash line shadow.
- Highlight inner corners and center of lid.
Hooded Eyes
- Concentrate color above the hood.
- Use light shimmers on lid.
- Blend crease color higher up.
Deep-Set Eyes
- Use brightening shades all over lid.
- Highlight the inner corners.
- Keep darker shades close to the lash line.
Wide-Set Eyes
- Focus color toward inner corners.
- Keep darker shades on outer half.
- Use crease color to draw eyes inward.
Close-Set Eyes
- Highlight inner corners and center of lid.
- Use light colors on inner halves.
- Blend crease color outward and upward.
Complementary Eye Makeup
Complete your cream shadow look with these eye makeup products:
- Cream eyeliner – Use same formulas for cohesion.
- Mascara – Darken and define lashes.
- Brow pomade – Frame the eyes.
- False lashes – Amp up the glam.
Caring for Cream Shadow
Make your cream eyeshadows last longer with proper care:
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Always replace cap tightly after use.
- Don’t mix with water or oil.
- Clean brushes after each use.
- Don’t layer on top of dried cream shadow.
- Discard if changes color or smell.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of blending cream eyeshadow takes some practice, but gives you the ability to create stunning eye looks. Prepping lids, choosing the right textures and brushes, and adapting application to your eye shape are key for flawless results. With a bit of technique, cream shadows blend beautifully for multidimensional, long-lasting eye makeup.
